First treated on a worldwide basis in 1907, the infrageneric classification has undergone many revisions, and even in the era of molecular phylogenetics there has been contradictory evidence. Although sometimes treated as two separate genera, Ribes and Grossularia, the consensus has been to consider it as a single genus, divided into a number of subgenera, the main ones of which are subgenus Ribes and subgenus Grossularia, further subdivided into sections. Janczewski considered six subgenera and eleven sections. Berger's twelve subgenera based on two distinct genera have subsequently been demoted to sections. Weigend elevated a number of sections to produce a taxonomy of seven subgenera; RibesCoreosma, Calobotrya, Symphocalyx, Grossularioides, Grossularia, Parilla. Taxonomy, according to Berger, modified by Sinnott :
Some authors continued to treat Hesperia and Lobbia as subgenera. Early molecular studies suggested that subgenus Grossularia was actually embedded within subgenusRibes. Analysis of combined molecular datasets confirms subgenus Grossularia as a monophyletic group, with two main lineages, sect. Grossularia and another cladeconsisting ofglabrous gooseberies, including Hesperia, Lobbia and Robsonia. Other monophyletic groups identified were Calobotrya, Parilla, Symphocalyx and Berisia. However sections Ribes, Coreosma and Heritiera were not well supported. Consequently, there is insufficient resolution to justify further taxonomic revision.
Species
About 150.
Distribution and habitat
Ribes is widely distributed through the Northern Hemisphere, and also extending south in the mountainous areas of South America.
Cultivation
The genus Ribes includes the edible currants: blackcurrant, redcurrant and white currant, as well as the gooseberry and several hybrid varieties. It should not be confused with the dried currants used in cakes and puddings, which are from the Zante currant, a small-fruited cultivar of the grape Vitis vinifera. Ribes gives its name to the popular blackcurrant cordial Ribena. The genus also includes the group of ornamental plants collectively known as the flowering currants, for instance R. sanguineum. There are restrictions on growing some Ribes species in some U.S. states, as they are the main alternate host for white pine blister rust.
Historical use
Indians used blackcurrant root for the treatment of kidney diseases and menstrual and menopausal problems. Cree Indians used the fruit of Ribes glandulosum as a fertility enhancer to assist women in becoming pregnant.
